National Security Ministry Spends Less Than Half of Arab Society Crime Budget

Israel's Ministry of National Security has utilized less than half of the budget allocated for combating crime in the Arab community, according to figures released Wednesday. Out of approximately 1.5 billion shekels designated for this purpose under Government Resolution 549, only about 748 million shekels have been spent.

Government Resolution 549 is a multi-year plan aimed at eradicating organized crime and violence in Arab Israeli towns and cities. The implementation of this budget has been marked by political disputes over the past two years. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and other ministers have raised concerns about funds allegedly being diverted from Arab local authorities to criminal organizations.

These allegations led to delays in the release of some funds, which were made conditional on the establishment of special oversight mechanisms. Concurrently, cuts have been made to complementary government programs focused on welfare, prevention, rehabilitation, and youth services within the Arab community. Some budgets originally intended for civilian initiatives have reportedly been redirected to bolster law enforcement and Shin Bet operations.